TheCable

Razaq Obe, commissioner for energy and mineral resources in Ondo, has alleged forgery of the signature of Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor, on an official document. 

Akeredolu has been absent from the state since June due to medical reasons.

Since his return to the country after a three-month medical leave in Germany, Akeredolu has been in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

Obe, in a letter dated December 7 and addressed to Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor, explained that the irregularities were first noticed when a file from his ministry, out of the five submitted to the governor’s office for approval, was returned.

He said following close inspection, he noticed the differences between the signature and handwriting in the said document and that of Akeredolu.

“I write to bring to your attention a critical matter that requires immediate action. It has been confirmed that the signature of Mr. Governor on a certain document has been forged,” the letter reads.

“The irregularities in the signature were first observed when a file from my ministry was returned through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This is the only file that has been returned so far out of the five files that were sent for Mr. Governor’s approval about two months ago.

“Upon closer inspection, I noticed significant differences between the suspicious signature and handwriting and Mr. Governor’s known signatures and handwriting in the file.

“Concerned about the gravity of the situation, I decided to seek a forensic review before disclosing my discovery. I sent the suspicious signature, handwriting samples, and copies of the old regular signatures to forensic experts, who have now confirmed that the suspicious signature and handwriting were indeed forged.

“Despite the inherent risks involved, I have chosen to fulfill the obligations of my office by reporting this alarming development to you as the highest-ranking member of the State Executive Council after Mr. Governor.

“I firmly believe that this is the course of action our esteemed leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, would take in such a situation.

“Considering the possibility that such forgery may be widespread, this heads-up is of utmost importance to the government and people of Ondo State. I have attached a copy of the forensic report and relevant pages from the file for your reference.”

Obe urged Aiyedatiwa to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves and take appropriate actions to address the situation.

“It is crucial that we restore the integrity of our processes and ensure that such a disturbing development is swiftly punctuated,” he added.

The development comes a few days after Kayode Ajulo, a senior advocate of Nigeria, alleged that some Ondo government officials were forging Akeredolu’s signature on documents.

However, Richard Olatunde, chief press secretary to the governor, described the claim as “utterly preposterous and ludicrous”.

Olatunde asked for proof, adding that it is only Akeredolu that can claim that his signature has been forged.